Louis Métezeau



Louis Métezeau (1559 – 18 August 1615) was a French architect.

Life and career
Métezeau was born in Dreux, Eure-et-Loir, and died in Paris. He was the son of Thibault Métezeau, the brother of Clément II Métezeau and the nephew of Jean Métezeau. The register of the city of Dreux refers to him as architecte du roi et contrôleur des bâtiments royaux.

Métezeau probably undertook the construction of the Grande Galerie of the Louvre (the eastern section is traditionally attributed to him) and may have designed the Petite Galerie. He may also have conceived the Place des Vosges in Paris. An archival discovery of 1984 led some historians to name Louis Métezeau as the architect of the Hôtel d'Angoulême. It is now suggested that Louis' father, Thibault Métezeau, more likely designed it.

Métezeau was probably involved in the building of the Palais du Luxembourg for Marie de Medicis: she is believed to have sent him to Florence in 1611 to make drawings of the Palazzo Pitti, which was to be used as a model by the regent's order.

At his death, Métezeau was identified as Premier Architecte du Roi of Henry IV of France.